HGU New York Remakes Historic Landmark Hotel
The saying, “What was old is new again” rings true with the remaking of NoMad’s newest hotel, HGU New York as they celebrated their grand opening last week. The boutique hotel nestled at 34 East 32nd Street underwent $18 million in renovations to honor the building’s history through its original architecture with an eclectic design. “We look forward to introducing our motto, history, architecture, and sustainability on a human scale into one of the world’s most robust hotel markets,” noted Michael Namer, CEO of Alfa Development. “While the renovation brings new life to this landmark hotel, we are preserving the historic elements to what we believe the hotel would have offered, providing guests with an experience grounded in a century-long New York point of view.
“The hotel’s lobby maintains the history of its 1905 Beaux-Arts architecture fused with a few modern touches made by hospitality designers Peter Guzy of Asfour Guzy Architects and DD Allen of Pierce Allen Design. The hotel staff’s uniform was inspired by British school uniforms and was designed by Noele Norton of Unify Studios, who also designed staff attire for W South Beach and SLS Hotels. The uniform includes for women, a plaid blazer with the HGU New York logo embroidered over a white blouse and foulard and skirt adorned with gold buttons or a plaid vest and cropped pants. Men wear plaid blazers with the logo and tapered slacks.
The 10-story hotel encompasses 90 guest rooms, ranging from a Standard Queen to King Suite. Rooms are styled with tufted velvet headboards and bedding by Frette, wood furniture and bath and beauty amenities by C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries. HGU New York offers hotel guests 24 -hour room service, free Wi-Fi and iPad minis for in room usage. HGU New York’s lounge known as 1905 is furnished with a fireplace from the building’s original structure. The area is equipped for meeting events as well as live entertainment, private film screenings and recording artist sessions. In addition, HGU New York linked with Gallery 151, an art gallery in lower Manhattan to showcase contemporary pieces inspired by urban backdrops of New York City’s emerging artists including Liz Markus and Fab 5 Freddy. Reservations can be made online or by calling 212.779.3432.
Photos: BFANYC
